By Alyson Garcia

UCLA Men’s Basketball has been a cornerstone for the world-renowned institution. With 11 national championships under its belt, there is no doubt that this program is notable. 

However, there have recently been significant changes to the 2024-2025 roster, as many star players have both transferred in and out of Westwood. Many starting athletes have committed to other universities, and one particular individual caused shock-waves throughout the campus. 

7 ' 3" center Aday Mara caused chaos as he announced his entrance into the transfer portal. He has recently committed to Michigan. He wasn’t the only one to make such a decision, as his former teammates, Sebastian Mack and Dylan Andrews, chose to continue their collegiate careers elsewhere. On top of that, a few notable upperclassmen will be graduating, such as 6‘6“ senior Kobe Johnson.

However, Coach Mick Cronin accounted for his roster’s significant losses, as he has been heavily recruiting to fill the empty slots. The UCLA Bruins signed one of the most sought after transfer players, Donovan Dent. Dent is a 6‘2“ guard from Riverside, California, and averaged 17.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game at his former school, the University of New Mexico. As well, Cronin secured forward/center Xavier Booker, guard Jamar Brown, and forward/center Steven Jamerson II. There is no doubt that UCLA is building an army in Pauley Pavilion.

In regards to UCLA’s beloved female basketball stars, the starting five positions remain largely untouched. Despite this, numerous athletes have entered the transfer portal. The most shocking for fans were forward Janiah Barker and guard Londynn Jones. Barker and Jones assisted in leading UCLA to the Final Four during their 2024-2025 season. 

Accompanying Barker and Jones are four freshman players, which are Kendall Dudley, Avary Cain, Zania Socka-Ngueman, and Elina Aarnisalo. Cori Close, head coach for UCLA Women’s Basketball, may have some empty seats to fill, but there is no doubt that she is aware of the circumstances.

Despite losing its entire freshman class, UCLA will be just fine, as next year, McDonald’s All-American Sienna Betts will be joining her elder sister, Lauren Betts, on the team. The younger Betts is ranked No. 2 in the 2025 class by ESPN, and there is no doubt that she will blossom like her sister did. 

For both men’s and women’s, every athlete will make their mark in Pauley Pavilion, and avid fans will be supporting from the sidelines. Welcome to Westwood, future Bruins!